FIRST DAY OF UNICORN SCHOOL written by Jess Hernandez
I have a four-year-old living in my house and, as a result, that means I can’t walk a foot without encountering a unicorn. So when I first heard of Jess Hernandez’s debut book FIRST DAY OF UNICORN SCHOOL my immediate thought was: brilliant.
FIRST DAY OF UNICORN SCHOOL has delightful illustrations by Mariano Epelbaum and it’s the perfect read for kids starting off a new year at school (and throughout the school year too).
I’m so pleased that Jess has agreed to share her writing and revision journey -- which makes the story even more enchanting!
As for a little about Jess: she is a writer, librarian, teacher, and all-around word girl. When she’s not being used as a human canvas for baby food art, she writes for kids and (sometimes) grown-ups.
Onto the interview…
Jess, thank you for sharing your story behind your story! What sparked this fantastic concept?
The setting, plot, and message of the story all had different beginnings. The setting of a unicorn school came from a bedtime story I told my daughter. The plot of a donkey sneaking into Unicorn School came from an argument my kids were having. And the message about the importance of acceptance and educational parity came after I read about Sylvia Méndez and other trailblazers that had to fight so hard to get a shot at an equal education in America.
How long did it take from idea to book?
Three years. The kids I talk to at school visits are always shocked when I tell them the book was written before they were even in kindergarten.
Ah, kids. What was your revision timeline?
Winter 2017: Had the idea of a unicorn school but no plot
Summer 2017: Got the idea of a donkey sneaking into school
July 2017: Wrote a draft and revised
August 2017: Queried the embarrassingly unpolished draft
2018: Revised 3 more times based on agent feedback
December 2018: Was invited to join a critique group
January 2019: Revised two more times based on CP feedback
February 2019: Queried revision
July 2019: Got an email from agent Rena Rossner requesting a call
July 2019: Signed with Rena, revised again based on her feedback
September 2019: Went on sub
November 2019: Capstone offered
December 2019: Made revisions based on editor feedback
January 2020: Final copy accepted
April 2020: Made more revisions to make sure text and art matched
What was the hardest part of revising?
The ending. I originally wrote it as it stands now - with the name of the school changing. But then I got some agent feedback wanting to know how the school administrators felt about Milly’s presence at Unicorn School. So I wrote a version where the headmistress comes out and yells at everybody but it turns out she’s not a unicorn either. It made the story clunky and diluted the message and I ended up chopping it after my critique partners told me with love and compassion that it stunk.
Gotta love when critique partners point out the parts (with compassion) that don’t work. Did you have an ‘ah-ha!’ moment with your manuscript during the revision process?
The ah-ha moment was when the plot fell into place. My kids were arguing over a paper towel roll and my daughter told my son he couldn’t have it since he “wasn’t a unicorn, he was just a horse.” Boom. Instant story.
What advice do you have for other writers? Are there any resources you would recommend to help with the revision process?
Find people who will support you and help you improve - critique groups, writer friends, SCBWI chapters, agency siblings, etc. You don’t have to go it alone.
That is too true! Writing can be a lonely road so it’s nice to have companions. And now, for a snippet of one of the first drafts...
“What is the meaning of this?” boomed a voice behind them. It was Ms. Avryana Silvernose, head of the Unicorn School.
“Ms. Silvernose,” brayed the goat, “we were just—”
“Silence! This is a school for unicorns. You livestock must leave.” She sniffed. “Especially you. Llamas make my nose itch.”
[The animals look sadly at one another and shuffle toward the gate. Behind them comes a loud “AAACHOOO!” Something cone-shaped flies above their heads and crashes against the wall. The horse kicks it with his hoof.]
“It’s an ice cream cone with sparkles.”
[The animals turn around and look at the headmistress, who’s now sans horn and looking embarrassed.]
Ms. Silvernose coughed. “Yes, well. The bell’s rung. Get to class.”
Milly smiled. She was going to love it here. She fit right in.
And the final words in the book...
Milly smiled. For the first time in her life, she fit right in.
[Art: A new sign covers the old one in front of the school. It reads “The Awesome Animal School: All Are Welcome.”]
You can get updates on Jess and her book news on her website and be sure to follow her on Twitter (@FinkHernandez) and Instagram (@jesshernandezwrites)!
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Thank you so much, Jess!